Fact Check: Perez is the twelfth person to die in ICE custody this fiscal year.

Fact Check: "Perez is the twelfth person to die in ICE custody this fiscal year."

What We Know

On June 26, 2025, Isidro Perez, a 75-year-old Cuban national, died while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). His death occurred at HCA Kendall Florida Hospital and is reported to have been caused by a heart attack, although the exact cause is still under investigation (ICE, CBS Miami). According to a notification sent to Congress, Perez is noted to be the twelfth person to die in ICE custody during the current fiscal year, marking an increase in deaths compared to previous years (The New Republic).

Analysis

The claim that Isidro Perez is the twelfth person to die in ICE custody this fiscal year is supported by multiple credible sources. The notification from ICE itself confirms this statistic, indicating that the agency is tracking deaths in custody and reporting them to Congress (ICE). Additionally, the report from The New Republic corroborates this information, stating that Perez is indeed the twelfth death this fiscal year, which aligns with ICE's own records (The New Republic).

The reliability of these sources is high, as ICE is the official agency responsible for immigration enforcement in the U.S., and The New Republic is a well-established publication known for its political commentary and investigative journalism. Both sources provide consistent and factual information regarding the circumstances surrounding Perez's death and the broader context of ICE custody deaths.

However, it is important to note that while the number of deaths in ICE custody has increased, the reasons behind these deaths and the conditions within ICE facilities are subjects of ongoing scrutiny and debate. Reports indicate that the conditions at facilities like the Krome detention center, where Perez was held, have raised concerns among advocates and experts (The New Republic).

Conclusion

The claim that "Perez is the twelfth person to die in ICE custody this fiscal year" is True. This conclusion is based on verified information from credible sources, including ICE's own notifications and independent news reports that confirm the number of deaths in custody.